New South Dakota law acknowledges that abortion ends a ‘whole, unique human life’

Pierre, S.D., Mar 28, 2005 / 12:00 am (CNA).- Last week, South Dakota lawmakers created a roadblock for the abortion industry. A new state law now requires women seeking abortions to sign a waiver acknowledging that the life they are ending is ''a whole, separate, unique, living human being."

The new document also says that the woman has ''an existing relationship with that unborn human being", which is protected by the U.S. Constitution and the laws of the state of South Dakota.

Representative Roger Hunt (R), the prime supporter of the bill said that ''It is extremely important that we recognize this relationship exists."

The new bill also requires doctors to provide information on the physical and emotional risks of abortions. Failing to have a woman sign the waiver could land doctors in jail for up to 30 days with a $200 fine.

While supportive of the new bill, the South Dakota Catholic Advocate Network (CAN) is fighting to see abortion outlawed completely.

Although the new law still allows for abortions, CAN views its passing as a victory in the pro-life movement. In a statement on the group’s web page, they say, “In our country, where abortion is legal with very few limitations, we sometimes have to work in smaller steps to ultimately outlaw abortions.”